As the world continues to battle the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, India, too, has stepped up its efforts to contain the spread of the fast-spreading virus in the country. While there are 2,45,916 confirmed cases and 10,048 deaths recorded across the globe, the numbers in India have risen to 206 positive cases and five casualties so far. 

Amid the COVID-19 scare in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on 19th March, addressed the nation in times of crisis. During his speech, the Indian PM announced a Covid-19 taskforce that would draw up measures to combat the economic effects of the pandemic, told employers not to cut the pay of staff and called for a "Janta Curfew" this Sunday. 

âThere is a need to follow two important things to fight this pandemic â resolve and restraint. In the past few days, it is appearing as if we have averted the crisis, and everything is okay. Complacency in respect of a global pandemic like coronavirus is not appropriate,â he said in a televised address on Thursday. He also pointed out that social distancing was âvery important and effective as well". 

Stay at home and do not step out until it is absolutely essential.

I specially urge the elderly to not venture out of their homes. #IndiaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/ae2ld4VHBW

â Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 19, 2020

Announcing the 'Janta Curfew', which will be observed on 22nd March between 7 am to 9 pm, Modi said: âDuring this curfew, we shall neither leave our homes, nor get onto the streets or roam about our localities. Only those associated with emergency and essential services will leave home. This Janta Curfew will in a way be a litmus test for us. This is also the time to see how prepared India is to fight off a global pandemic like the coronavirus". 

PM @narendramodi ji has given a clarion call. I appeal our 80 lakh strong Volunteers of NSS & NYKS, all the Staffs under Youth Affairs & Sports Ministry and all the sportspersons to take a lead role for #JanataCurfew on 22nd March from 7am to 9pm #IndiaFightsCorona #COVID2019 https://t.co/RMY4icr9gw pic.twitter.com/DafhETDa1K

â Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) March 19, 2020

While PM Modi's address, especially the proposed 'Janta Curfew', drew all sorts of responses on social media, the Indian sports fraternity lauded the efforts and preventive measures proposed by him. 

Itâs time to show solidarity & support to our Prime Minister @narendramodi ji. #JantaCurfew on 22nd March from 7am till 9pm. Being a responsible citizen letâs follow all guidelines #IndiaFightsCorona #COVID2019india pic.twitter.com/Aql1wVLErE

â Rani Rampal (@imranirampal) March 19, 2020

The need of the hour is to absolutely respect and follow the government's directive. Stay home. Stay safe. Stay healthy. ???? https://t.co/p1NDo0E9YL

â Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) March 20, 2020

I pledge that I'll strictly follow Janta Curfew this Sunday frm 7am to 9pm so that we strengthen Indiaâs fight against the Corona Virus.This will bring us together and we'll stand strong as a nation in this critical time!@narendramodi#IndiaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/lIWmdRNBiU

â Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) March 19, 2020

Our respected PM @narendramodi Ji has requested all to adhere to the Janta Curfew on 22nd March by staying home. Stay safe you all and take care ??@PMOIndia #JantaCurfew #IndiaFightsCorona

â Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) March 19, 2020

?????? ????? ?? ????? ??? ?????? ???????????? ???? ?? ?? ?????????? ?? ?? ???????? ?? ??-????? ?????
???? ?? ??? ????? ?????? ????? ?? ???? ??????@narendramodi#IndiaFightsCorona #Covid19India#JanataCurfew pic.twitter.com/nn3bcHOTEj

â Yogeshwar Dutt (@DuttYogi) March 19, 2020

?????? PM @PMOIndia ??,?????? ???? ?????? ??????? ?? ???? ?? ???? ???? ?????? ???? ??? ??? ?????? ???? ?? ??? ?? ??? ??????? ???? ??? ??? ?? ?? ?? ????-2 ???? ?? ???? ????? ?????? ?? ????? ?? ??? ???? ?? ?? ??????? ?? ????? ?????? ???? ?? ??? ????? ?? ????? ?? ?????? ????? pic.twitter.com/jph1LDn9Mk

â Sakshi Malik (@SakshiMalik) March 19, 2020

I would like to appeal to all the athletes of the world, these current circumstances #covid-19 are out of anyoneâs control. I would request everyone to firstly stay safe and healthy then train if possible ensuring your safety. (1/2)

â Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) March 18, 2020

???????????? ??????? ???? ?? ?? 9 ????? ??? ?? ???? ??? ?????? ???? ??? ??? ?? ???? ???????????? ?? ?? ??? ????? ?? ???? ??? ?????? ?? ???? ?? ???? ??? ???????????? ?? ?? ??? ?? ???? ?? ????? ?? ????? ??? ??? ?? ?? ?? ?????????? ?? ???? ?? ?? ??? ???? ???? ?? ??? ???? pic.twitter.com/pCvBtTS6At

â Babita Phogat (@BabitaPhogat) March 19, 2020

Letâs join hands with our honourable Prime Minister @narendramodi sir and observe #JantaCurfew on March 22 from 7 am to 9 pm IST. I salute all those who are working 24X7 for serving our nation against #COVID2019india #StaySafeStayHome #IndiaFightsCorona @PMOIndia

â Hima MON JAI (@HimaDas8) March 19, 2020

PM @narendramodi assures 1.3 billion Indians as #IndiaFightsCorona All should
a) PLEDGE to practice social distancing & maintain hygiene
b) Have PATIENCE through the next couple of weeks

Let's fulfill our National Duty & make #JantaCurfew a success.Spread the word.Jai Hind!????

â Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) March 19, 2020

These are testing times for all and I salute the work being done by our doctors, nurses and medical staff across the country. I urge everyone as responsible citizens to follow the measures put in place by the government. Be safe and alert. #IndiaFightsCorona

â K L Rahul (@klrahul11) March 19, 2020

In these tough times we need to stay vigilant and follow the instructions put in place by the government for our safety. Please avoid going out if unnecessary.. Also, a huge shout out to all our health professionals working tirelessly to keep our country safe. Heroes !????

â Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) March 19, 2020

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